κατακληρονομέω

I give as an inheritance

Definition

The verb κατακληρονομέω means to give something as an inheritance or to distribute land by lot. It carries the sense of a formal, often divinely sanctioned, apportionment of territory. In its sole biblical occurrence in Acts 13:19, it specifically refers to God's action in giving the land of Canaan to the people of Israel as their inheritance. The term combines the idea of inheritance (klēronomia) with the preposition κατά, which can intensify the action, emphasizing the decisive or complete nature of the distribution.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 13:19. In this context, the Apostle Paul, recounting Israel's history in a synagogue sermon, states that God 'destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, and gave their land to his people as an inheritance.' The usage is historical and theological, describing a pivotal act in God's covenant relationship with Israel—the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham regarding the land.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata), meaning 'down,' 'according to,' or 'against,' and the verb κληρονομέω (klēronomeō, G2816), meaning 'to inherit' or 'to receive an allotment.' The compound verb intensifies the base meaning, focusing on the act of granting or distributing an inheritance, particularly land. It is related to the noun κληρονομία (klēronomia, G2817), meaning 'inheritance' or 'possession.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects directly to the theme of God's covenant promises. In Acts 13:19, it highlights God as the sovereign giver of the promised land, a central component of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading of this passage by emphasizing that Israel's possession of Canaan was not merely a military conquest but a divine grant—an inheritance bestowed by God's faithfulness and judgment.

In the ancient Near East, including Israelite culture, land was the primary form of inheritance and economic security. Distributing land 'by lot' (implied in the root) was seen as a way to leave the decision to divine providence, ensuring a fair and God-ordained allocation. This concept differs from modern views of real estate as a purely economic commodity; it was inextricably tied to family identity, covenant relationship with God, and tribal unity.

κληρονομέω (klēronomeō, G2816) — The simpler base verb meaning 'to inherit' or 'to obtain an inheritance,' without the intensive force of distribution. κατακληροδοτέω (kataklērodoteō, G2623) — A very rare, nearly synonymous verb also meaning 'to distribute by lot,' used in the Septuagint but not in the New Testament.

Word Details

Scripture References